Global Study Shows Innovation in Learning Drives Workforce Productivity

Three years of global economic stress have pushed organizations to maximize employee productivity, and to make strategic decisions on cutting spending in a way that does not compromise future growth as budgets tighten, according to a new study by ESI International (News - Alert). 

Announcing the findings of a new global learning study conducted to assess the direction of training and performance improvement programs for 2011 and beyond, ESI said that organizations are turning to targeted and innovative learning programs through technology to help support the achievement of organizational priorities, maximize resources and enhance workforce effectiveness. 

The ESI Learning Trends survey was conducted among industry professionals from the commercial and government sectors, worldwide.

The survey results validate that innovation and flexibility in learning content and delivery, when combined with a results-oriented approach, are critical to learning success in 2011-2012.

The survey noted that training programs must evolve and adapt accordingly in order to stay targeted, relevant, measureable, and engage the learner in non-traditional ways. At the same time, they must instill learners with a set of critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to move the entire organization forward.

“With stagnant learning and development budgets, organizations are compelled to work their learning programs harder, by making them more results-oriented, as well as more flexible and relevant by providing the right information as and when needed to enable employees to perform effectively,” said Laurie Keyser Brunner, senior vice president of global client services, ESI.

Brunner said that nurturing leadership skill is also a vital component and a growing priority for organizations in empowering their workforce to identify organizational priorities and design appropriate responses within a business context.

ESI, a subsidiary of Informa (News - Alert) plc, helps people around the world improve the way they manage projects, contracts, requirements and vendors through innovative learning.

Back in June, results of a global study by ESI showed that organizations must become more fully committed and engaged in the transfer of learning to the workplace.

Survey findings highlight several weak areas in the on-the-job application of learning, including manager support, trainee preparation, incentives and an overall formal design and measurement process.